davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

pay its debt and England insists on max
ing the cause of the bondholders the cause
of the government. Such a situation
would at least present a chance for a live
ly quarrel with Great Britain. 1t is true
that Virginia is not the first State that
has repudiated its bonds to the loss of
British holders; and if the old entente
cordidI between England and America
were still prevailing, it would not be like
ly that any such matter as the holding of
few repudiated State bonds would stir
up unpleasantness between the two
governments. But the fact cannot be
disguised that there is serious irritation
against the United States on the part of a
large and influential portion of the Eng
fish press and people. The English tories
lay the disturbances in Ireland largely at
the door of this country. They believe
that but for aid and comfort sent from
America, the Irish people would soon sub
side into their old condition of submission.
They deem 1T to he the duty of our gov
eminent to prevent American interference
with what England considers to be solely
her own business Under such circum-
may easily become source of serious
controversy. We do not believe that
England wants, or can afford, war with
this country but the fisheries dispute,
the Irish troubles and the Virginia bonds
afford opportunities for serious and de-
plorable breach of friendly relations be-
tween the two great English speaking
peoples
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

Every possible dodge is being resorted
to in Maine, to make the new liquor law
offensive and imperative. 1t is now as
serted that the Augusta city council will
vote unanimously against establishing a
liquor agency in that city, thus rendering
it impossible to obtain alcohol for medic
inal or mechanical purposes except lille
gally 1t is intended thus TO make the
law defeat itself. Should the city council
carry out its proposed action, it would of
course result in the necessary handling Of
liquors by the druggists, and gradual
violation of and winking at the law which
would be most disastrous. 1t may be,
however, that the city council of Augusta
is not as black as it is painted. Rumor is
pretty apt to be Enthusiastically.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06
State Control of European Railroads

A writer by the name of Jeans has just
published little book, entitled RAILROAD
Problems" One of the most interesting
chapters in the work is that which treats
of governmental control of railroads.
With the exception of England nearly
every European government controls and
manages its own railroad lines. England
can do so at any time it chooses, for in
1914 Parliament passed an act authorizing
the purchase by the government of all
roads then existing or to be built there
after. This act has never been taken adj
vantage of, however, although the subject
has been agitated from time to time, and
was considered in detail by a government
commission in 1867.
But while the railroads of Great Britain
remain in the hands of private companies
most of the continental roads are either
absolutely owned or managed in part by
the government. The comparison made
by Mr. Jeans between roads controlled by
private corporations and those controlled
by the government is emphatically in ia
vor of the latter. so far as cost of mainten
ance, traffic expense and economy of ad
ministration are concerned. Many objec
tons which have been made against
the government control of railroads in
this country are effectually answered
in this chapter of Mr.. Jeanss book. 1t is
certainly proved that railroads can be
managed successfully and economically by
government officials, and that traffic rates
are less under government ownership, be-
cause the profits of the road over and above
their running expenses, go to the public.
Mr.. Jeans believes that the time will
come when the government of modern
nations will control the postal, tele-
graph and railway systems. Conditions
are evidently not ripe for such state of
affairs in this country as yet but we are
not sure that the people are not drifting
in that direction at a pretty rapid rate,
and we hope that the government control
of the telegraph as an adjunct to and part
of the postal system of the country will
not be long delayed.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

Close upon the Beverly investigation in
Massachusetts comes the case of Repre-
sentative Milo H. Dakin, representative
from Saginaw, who has been expelled
from the Michigan Assembly for obtain
ing money from variohs individuals to
corrupt members of the Legislature, and
afterward retaining the amount collected
for his own use. What Dakin's sentence
would have been if he had paid over the
money to the members is not known, but
it is plain that the Michigan legislators
do not approve Of his holding on to brides
intended for them.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

One of the most contemplate acts of in
justice and cowardice connected with the
present labor troubles is reported from
Gardiner, Me. A young lady, stitcher
in one of the shoe factories, preferred not
to join the Knights of Labor when an as
sembly was started in that town, and re-
fused TO pay an assessment which was
lately levied upon her by the organization.
The chivalrous knights thereupon noti-
fled the management that they would
stop work unless the young woman was
discharged, and the management coward
ly yielded to the lnsolent demand and
turned her adrift. If the organization
known as the Knights of Labor does not
stand for tyranny, what does it stand for,
in the light of such facts as these
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

1t is rarely that farmers permit them
selves to be involved in any act of insub-
ordination; yet the recent blowing up of
the reservoir in Paulding county, Ohio,
was performed by POO masked farmers.
1t must be said, however, that there was
great provocalion to the act. The reservoir
was practically nuisance, covering a
large area of fine farming land and rem
derng the entire region sickly. 1t was of
no use, being originally intended to sup
ply section of canal which has since
been abandoned. Complaint had been
frequently made by the people of the sec
ton, but the nuisance was not abated ;
and finally they determined to take the
matter into their own hands. In Ger.
tain sense, they were driven to the act, as
the health of their families was enian-
gered by this large body of stagnant
water.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06
The Union Pacific Investigation

The investigation of the management of
the Pacific railways, before the commits
sion appointed for that purpose by Prest-
dent Cleveland has attracted wide atten-
ton. Some interesting disclosures were
Francis Adams, president of the Union
Pacific system, and C. Z. Huntington, the
Western railway king" and vice-presl-
dent of the Central Pacific before it was
leased to the Union Pacific. The Union
Pacific and Central Pacific made up the
first all.rail line from Omaha across the
plains to San Francisco. BY the lease of
the Central Pacific to the Union
Pacific, and by the acquisition of
tributary lines, the Union Pacific
has become corporation of tremendous
influence and great wealth. 1t pays out
in the course Of a year in taxes more than
million dollars. Great corporations like
this are apt to be INSCRIPTIONS, and If
Irregularities in management are to be eX-
pected. So far as President Adamss testi
mony went, however, the commission
ELECTED no evidences of fraudulent trans
actions on the part of the Union Pacific
Not so with the testimony of Mr.. c. p.
Huntington, which was decidedly sensa-
tional. Mr. Huntington memory was de.
fective" on some points OH which the com
mission were anxious for light, but con-
erning the transactions of Central Pacific
attorneys in Washington in former years
Mr.. Huntington furnished some curious
Information. He testified that General
Franchot had salary of 100000 year for
looking after the roads interests at the
capital. In addition tot his salary, large
sums of money were paid over to Fran
chot, for which no vouchers were re-
CURED. To Sheriff., who tsucceeded Fran
chot, salary of $4,000 was paid, and
large additional sums of money were paid
to him also without vouchers. Hunting
ton said that sometimes these untouched
for sums amounted to 100000 yearly.
Sometimes $1,000 were paid out at a time.
When asked what such. sums were used
for. Huntlngton's reply was that he did
not know exactly" He, however, admit
ted that it was 10 influence legislation.
Some may have gone to purchase the aid
of other attorneys; some, perhaps, for
champagne and cigars" Mr.. Hunting.
ton denied that the money was used for
direct bribery.
Still further disclosures will doubtless
be made ; but enough has been already
revealed to show that there have been
and probably still are, great abuses con-
nected with the management of the Pa
cific lines, especially by the undetermined
use of money in influencing legislation
and purchasing special privileges. 1t is
to be hoped that the commissioners will
60 to the bottom of these crooked prac-
tees and let in all the light possible.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

Franklin d. Smith, colored veteran of
Portland, Oregon, has been refused admis-
sion TO Grand Army post in that city.
Smith says 81 fought side by side with
white men, in the war, sat side by side with
them around our camptires then, and
color was not thought Of Our country
was our thought. | was white enough
then to offer my life for the salvation of
my country, and am l not man enough to
belong to Garfield Post, No. 3, Grand
Army of the Republic ?"
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

THE WEEKLY FREE PRESS, 8 cents pc
copy, SO cents for three months, Sl.00 for six
months. 500 year, postage free.
Advertisements and subscriptions received
at the Office 1s9 College Street. Full adver
Using rates sent on application.
Accounts cannot be opened for subscrip-
lions. Subscribers will please remit with or
der, names are not entered until payment is
received, and all papers are stopped ut the end
of the time paid for.
Remit ances at the risk of the subscriber
unless made 10y registered letter, or by cheek
or postal order payable to the Publishers.
The date when the subscription expires is on
the address label of each paper, the change OF
which to a subsequent date becomes receipt
for remittance. No other receipt is sent I'M
less requested The receipt of the paper is a
sufficient receipt for the first subscription.
When change of address is desired, both
the old and new addresses should be given.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

Dissipation, late hours, the cigarette
and lack of exercise are sapping the vital
ity and energy of a large portion of our
young men, especially in the large cities,
AT a competitive examination of candi-
dates for appointment as midshlpmen in
the Annapolis naval academy from the
seventh New York congressional district,
which is made up of three Assembly dis
trcts of New York city, held last week,
there were twelve competitors between
the ages of fourteen and eighteen years.
Not single one of them passed the phys
ical examination. Some had heart trouble,
others malformation of the chest, and the
rest were rejected for various other bodily
defects. BLOOD will tell'' it's own story
when it is thin and impoverished.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

1t has been too often the practice in
Franklin county, as well as in other parts
of the state, in appealed liquor cases, to
call the case and CHANGER the bond to a
nominal amount, thus letting the liquor
seller off without a record conviction. In
this way the stipulated severity for second
and third o1fcnses is made farce, and the
seller by paying small amount for for
feited bonds is occasionally able to escape
the severer penalty. But Judge Ross has
notified the States attorney that respon
dents within the courts jurisdiction must
be produced by their bondsmen or they
must stand the consequences Such an
order, everywhere enforced, would have
an excellent effect.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06
England and the Virginia Bonds.

Sir Edward Thornton is in this country
ostensibly to treat with the Virginia legis-
lators in behalf of the English capitalists
who own the States discredited bonds. A
general impression, however, prevails,
that Sir Edward is here, in reality, as the
representative of the English govern
ment, and there are those who believe
that if he fails to make satisfactory ar
rangements with tie Virginians, he will
demand that the United States interfere
TO protect British citizens from the effects
of the proposed reputation of the Vlr-
ginia bonds.
The New York Mail and Express, com
menting upon this rumor, says III Is
the custom of the British government to
protect its citizens against the acts OF for
eign States, even to the extent or en-
forcing the payment of debts due to them.
Such action ON its part is the cause of the
recent trouble in Hayti. Then, too, Sir
Edward Thornton is a member of the di-
plomatic corps of the rank of ambassador
He is in temporary retirement, II Is true,
for some failure to carry out his govern
ment's diplomatic schemes at CONSTANT
NOBLE, but he is well trained officer, and
his long residence at Washington has
singularly fitted him to carry on negotia-
lions with the authorities of Virginia and
to attend to whatever diplomatic duties
may subsequently arise, If he is here
without official powers, Lord Salisbury
has Mt least loaned him to the English
bondholders and thereby shown his sym
patty with their cause" 1t is an interest
ing question to consider, what will be the
result If Virginia persists in refusing to
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

Swinburne's poem on Gladstone and his
Irish policy is an amusing effort, but can
only serve to mar the poets reputation
such as it is. Among other pleasant
things, Swinburne calls Mr.. Gladstone a
"hoary henchman," whose hands are red
with the blood of Gordon, the grand
helmsman of the clamorous clew." The
whole poem, which is extended to the
length of 100 lines, abounds in billings
gate and commonplace eXpletive. Its
chief characteristics are fatness and flatu-
lence
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

The Charleston correspondent of the
New York World was so struck by the
appearance of the United States flag in
the celebration attending the unwilling of
the Calhoun monument that he felt called
upon to remark that it was kindly given
a conspicuous place" Perhaps the time
may come when the National colors will
again fly in Charleston, not altogether as
a matter of kindness.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

AS more than enough money has been
subscribed for a single monument to eX-
President Arthur, it Is proposed to erect
two monuments TO his memory. The first
is to be of stone, for which Architect r..
w. Gibson of New York will submit a
drawing. The other is likely to assume
the form of a standing, lfe-size figure of
the late president in bronze, to be placed
in some public place in New York city.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

The journal Of Education makes a
sensible suggestion when it asks "Who
will make a vigorous strike for recast
of the days of the month so that they shall
run thirty and thrty-one days alternately,
and have done forever with the February's
twenty-eight ?" There is no reason in the
world why we shouldn't give the old
Romans the grand bounce" in this mat
ter, and have a calendar that is up with
the times.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

The Lowell Citizen reports that it has
noted an enormous increase in the fami-
lies of railroad officials since the passage
of the interstate law and the adoption by
the New England roads of the resolution
restricting passes to railroad men and
their families. Something to increase
families is what is needed. Small fami.
lies are getting to be too much the rule in
New England
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

St. Augustine has lost one of its chief
attractions. The Indian prisoners at Fort
Marion have been removed, some to
Mount Vernon Barracks, Ala, some to
Fort Pickens, Fla, and some to the Indian
training school at Carlisle, Pa The wives
of the Indians at Fort Pickens have joined
them there and Geronimo and his COM
panions are comparatively happy. The
larger number go to Mount Vernon bar
racks, which has plenty of room for an
encampment, and it will not be necessary
to confine them as closely as in their re-
cent rather narrow quarters.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

The Maine Board of Health has issued a
circular in regard to the danger of i'm
porting cholera from South America, and
suggesting sanitary and quarantine meas
ures. Similar precautions should be taken
by every State on the seaboard. Cholera
is close upon our borders
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

1t is impossible not to be struck by the
rapidity of railway consolidation in New
England within the past few years.
There are almost no small lines in indie
pendent operation now; all have been
absorbed by the larger systems. The
latest step in this direction is the lease of
the Boston and Lowell road by the Bos-
ton and Maine. With the Lowell, East
ern and Massachusetts Central already in
its control, and with Its newly gained con
nections in this State and New Hamp-
shire, the Boston and Maine road becomes
one of the strongest of the Eastern com
binations. The day of small things in
railroads has evidently gone by.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

Democracy and the saloonought always
20 be bracketted. Instances of their al
lance are constantly occurring. Scarcely
had the democratic majority de feated the
Crosby high license bill in New York,
when the democratic majority of the legis-
lature of Delaware defeats both the high
license and the local option measures. So
it goes. The ascendancy of the demo-
cratic party everywhere means free whis-
l.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

The Mugwump Brooklyn Union has
been absorbed by the Republican Brook
Ign Standard. The Union is not the only
journal that has discovered that Mug
wumpery does not pay. The average
newspaper reader wants to have his pa
per one thing or the other.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

A recent Washington despatch says that
the Grant relics are to be removed from
the private room in the National Museum
at Washington, where they have been
safely guarded since they were presented
to the government by Gen. Grants widow
and that they are to be placed upon public
exhibition.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

The State of Maine probably has more
snow to the square rod than any other
State in the Union, During the past snowy
winter an enormous body of snow sccu
mulated in the woods and mountains of
the Pine Tree State and the natural sequel
come in disastrous floods and freshets.
Maine is cold water State, anyhow, and
at present cold water is decidedly in the
majority.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

The battle OF Gettysburgh was the turn
ing point of the war of the rebellion, and
1t is fitting that this battle ground should
be made sort of national memorial of
those who fought in the great conflict. 1t
will be of the highest interest to future
generations, as well as to patriots of the
present generation to know exactly where
the various regiments, brigades and di-
visions performed their deeds of valor dur
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

The Interstate commerce commission
ers have informed the sisters of st. Joseph
at st. Louis, that railroad companies have
the right, under the provisions of the
statute, to grant ministers of religion re
duced rates. But why need there be any
privileged class under the new law? The
minute one class is admitted to special
privileges the door cannot be closed on
others
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

While the British North American
provinces are trying to break their alliance,
the States of Central America are agitat-
ing for union. Convinced that separation
means weakness and insignificance, they
are trying to adjust long standing Difficult
ties, that they may form mutually de
fensive union. Such union, if it could
be preserved, would in time, probably, re-
suit in political union.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

1t has been pretty conclusively proved
by the Beverly investigation" i'll Massa-
chnsetts, that a lobby in the Legislature
OF that State has been buying up senators
at prices ranging from 800 to- 5000, accord
ing to quality. From now on we shall ex-
pect to see senators quoted regularly in
the Boston market reports.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

A director Of the st. Paul railroad says
his company will save $1,000 day by the
wiping out of free passes under the inter
State commerce bill. Other roads I'M
doubleday will be equally benefited Why
can't they divide this profit with the
American public, which secured it for
them2
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

The Nova Scotia Legislature has adopt
ed resolution 'regretting the very
harsh and Objectionable coercion bill for
ireland now before the imperial Parlia-
ment, which is calculated to exasperate
the Irish people and foster and intensity
that discomfort which has too long ap-
peared against the best interests of Ire
land and the empire, and earnestly hoping
that the imperial Parliament will not
deem it expedent to pass the coercion
bill, but at an early day give Ireland the
largest measure of self-government con
sistent with the integrity of the British
empire"
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

Governor Beaver of Pennsylvania is in
great favor with the woman suffragists of
his State, for he himself hath said that he
will sign the woman's suffrage bill, if it
ever gets through the Legislature. 1t is
true that there is a big if.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

The supervisors of the insane at their
late visitation at the Brattleboro asylum
found the number of inmates to be ASP, an
Increase of three during the last month !;
IA had been admitted and II discharged.
The board discharged four at this meet
ing, and have in contemplation the dis
charge of others who can just as well be
cared for outside of the asylum.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

The report of the civil service commits
sion upon the recent investigation of the
charges made against the collector of Gus
toms and the postmaster at Chicago, eX-
onerates those officers from the charges
made against them of violating the civil
service laws
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-06

The Legislatures of some of the States
are beginning to take into consideration
the evil of Sunday base ball games. The
Illinois House has passed bill prohibit
ing base ball on Sunday, and the bill has
gone to the Senate. This growing form
of abuse of Sunday ought to be stopped
before it has gone any further, and we
should like to see all the States taking
action in the matter.